Probate Attorney Blog

Happy Sunday! As we are coming up on the end of the year (can you believe it?!?) I thought I’d give you a little annual gifting reminder/prompt in case you are considering gifting to reduce your taxable estate. Before we get there, a friendly reminder that Washington state has its own estate tax that starts at $2.2m – if you are married you can make that $4.4m with a specific type of trust (a credit shelter trust), but everything over…

Happy Sunday! This is a question from one of you out there that actually reads this newsletter! :) If you are a regular reader, by the way, thank you. I hope you get great value from the information here… Okay, back to the subject at hand – trusts with “simple” estates. First, I guess I should clarify what I’m thinking about when I say simple. Simple for me means outright distributions in a way that could avoid probate without a…

Thinking about resigning as a trustee but not sure where to start? Here you will find the common reasons why trustees choose to step down and outlines the crucial steps to ensure a smooth transition. From notifying the successor trustee to completing necessary forms, you’ll learn the basics without diving too deep. Perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed or dealing with difficult beneficiaries.

Thinking that being named an executor gives you immediate control over an estate? Think again! In this video, Christopher Small from CMS Law Firm demystifies the executor role in estate planning and probate. Learn why you need a judge’s approval before you can take action and understand the steps involved in this legal process.

Curious about how to choose the best trustee for your estate plan? In this video, Christopher Small breaks down the key factors in selecting a trustee. He explains the pros and cons of picking a personal trustee—like a family member or friend—and a professional trustee, such as a trust company or bank. Learn what qualities to look for in a trustee, the responsibilities they’ll handle, and how they’re typically compensated. Whether you’re considering a loved one or a professional institution,…

Happy Sunday! Short message today as I’m currently sitting in the Kansas City airport waiting to catch a flight back to Seattle after a great weekend with friends. This is something we hear from time to time when talking to clients/potential clients about estate planning that I wanted to clear up. Two things actually. First, if you have a Will and it needs to be used you will have to go through probate to make distributions. The Will doesn’t prevent…

Welcome to another insightful video by Christopher Small, owner of CMS Law Firm, where we specialize in estate planning and probate. In this video, we dive into the significant role trust planning can play in supporting a spouse diagnosed with dementia, such as Alzheimer’s. Chris shares a real-life example from his practice, illustrating how a trust created years ago is now proving invaluable for a couple facing this challenging situation. He explains the crucial steps taken to safeguard the incapacitated…